CAREER
The key2advance career team trains, coaches and advises students transitioning into the European and international job market. We offer custom packages to our client universities, based on the profiles and needs of their students.
LUCK IS WHERE OPPORTUNITY MEETS PREPARATION
SENECA
Learn more about how we can support students
BASIC CAREER TOOLKIT
Preparing students for the transition into the job market.
SPECIALISED ADVICE
Some of the best insights for students aiming for careers within international affairs.
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Gaining the competitive edge in trending employability skills.
BASIC CAREER TOOLKIT
Helping students prepare their application process
FINDING THE DREAM JOB
The search for the “ideal” job begins with looking at oneself.
This workshop is for anyone who would like to learn more about their strengths, reflect on their passions and learn how to conduct informational interviews. At the end of this guided reflection, participants will have a better foundation for writing their CVs and cover letters. This workshop is recommended to anyone wishing to embark on a successful job-hunt or career change.
PERFECTING A CV
A professional CV is the first step towards securing an interview.
Due to a large number of applications and limited job or internship opportunities, employers pay special attention to the candidate’s first “marketing tool” - their CV. This workshop is for anyone who would like to polish their CV and give it a competitive edge, whilst still being authentic.
WRITING A STRONG & CONVINCING COVER LETTER
A cover letter is the first opportunity to impress.
Find out how to draft an effective cover letter that puts you at the top of the pile! Participants leave the workshop having understood mistakes to avoid, how to format professionally and tailor their message to prospective employers. Particular importance is given to the use of verbs, achievement statements and shifting the writer’s perceptual position to that of the reader.
PREPARING FOR INTERVIEWS
The biggest mistake in interviewing is not being fully prepared.
Interviewing for jobs or internships is a skill and hence, can be learned! Preparation makes the difference between receiving an offer and getting rejected. During this workshop participants will receive tips on body language, tone of voice, eye-contact, how to answer difficult questions, negotiate for a salary, and much more.
LEARNING THE ART OF EFFECTIVE NETWORKING
Many jobs and internships are on the hidden job market.
In order for candidates to access these opportunities, they need to know the basics of networking. During this workshop, participants will learn the techniques of positive body language, opening lines, ethics of handling contacts, and what to write after you have exchanged business cards.
HOW TO NAVIGATE IN THE “BRUSSELS BUBBLE” AND BEYOND
Diversity of organisations can be intimidating.
This fun and interactive workshop provides students with an overview of opportunities related to various career paths that are offered in the EU Bubble. This workshop offers some tips and tricks from the perspective of international students that secured employment after their studies. Understand what you can do to gain a competitive advantage and leave with valuable recommendations on how to leverage your time in Europe and make your job-hunting a success.
Adapting your Internship & Job hunt to the Covid-19 reality
NEW WEBINAR: Adapting your job hunt to Covid-19 reality
For students and young graduates, elaborating a structured internship and job hunt strategy is an essential and challenging task. The new and quickly changing reality brought by the Covid19 pandemic is adding an extra layer of complexity to the process. In order to support you in these uncertain times, key2advance has collected up-to-date insights from specialised career advisors and expert field practitioners. This session will provide you with valuable tips and advice on how to adapt your internship/job hunt while efficiently tackling challenges and exploring opportunities. It will also be an occasion to self-reflect, do an inventory of your toolkit and plan the next steps ahead.
“key2advance have conducted full day “Career Training Day” workshops for our students at College of Europe, Natolin aimed at introducing key elements necessary to successfully start a career search. Students had a chance to discuss their aims and aspirations, learn best practices about writing CV’s, motivation letters and discuss how to prepare for interviews and networking events. Their experience and unparalleled rapport building skills made these workshops a very interactive, personalized and effective experience that gave our students the necessary foundations to build on.”
Lukasz Dobromirski
Head of Career Services
College of Europe Natolin
“Thanks to key2advance´s very well-prepared career workshops, I was able to secure a traineeship at the European Commission (Blue Book). Key2advance´s storytelling workshop also helped me prepare for a job interview that left such a good impression which led to a great career opportunity for me.”
Jelena Gregorius
Public Policy Student, United Nations University MERIT, Maastrichtsels
SPECIALISED CAREER ADVICE
Some of the best insights for students aiming for careers within international affairs
HOW TO GET AN INTERNSHIP WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION?
This is the most popular internship program in Brussels.
Due to increasing numbers of applications to the bi-annual Blue Book traineeships, being well-informed is key. During this workshop, students will learn about the latest insider knowledge on selection criteria, be shown examples of successful applications, and receive tips on what to do after passing the first round. It also covers how non-EU citizens can apply, what atypical internships are about, and how this can be a stepping stone to other EU-related careers.
HOW TO GET A JOB IN EU DIPLOMACY?
Diplomacy is the skill of managing international relations.
This workshop provides information on the possible pathways into a diplomatic career, as well as the essential skills needed. Based on concrete examples and insights into European diplomatic work, the workshop demonstrates how to start a career in EU diplomacy. The focus will be on the various opportunities within the European External Action Service and its delegations around the world. How to pass the competitions and become a contract agent is also covered.
HOW TO GET AN INTERNSHIP AT THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT?
The European Parliament offers several options for traineeships.
During this workshop, the focus is on obtaining internships in the offices of Members of the European Parliament through spontaneous applications and networking. Students will leave with a concrete action plan of how and where to look for the right offices. The facilitators have collectively secured over 100 internships with offices of MEPs to students from all over the world.
HOW TO GET AN INTERNSHIP WITH NATO & SHAPE?
More and more students are enrolling in Conflict & Security programs.
This workshop will open up the eyes of students to what is available, and what to keep in mind when applying for NATO & SHAPE. The workshop introduces various internship programs and entry-level opportunities and provides tips on how to get started. Students leave with a better understanding of the requirements and details regarding visas, compensation, duration and various types of contracts.
CAREERS IN MIGRATION: WITH A FOCUS ON NGOS & THINK TANKS
“Migration is an expression of the human aspiration for dignity, safety and a better future.” - Ban Ki-moon
The workshop will focus on how to address human rights and related policy in a variety of possible professions with a particular focus on NGOs and think tanks. It offers insights into the EU capital’s working realities but also looks into the situation of different Member States. Participants also take away tips on what their potential future employer will be looking for in a job application.
COMMUNICATIONS JOBS IN THE “BRUSSELS BUBBLE” AND BEYOND
Communications is the art of turning expertise into political action.
This workshops provides students with a comprehensive overview of opportunities related to a career in political communications. Be inspired by the diversity of roles a communications job can entail and the range of organisations you might work for. Understand what skills it takes to thrive in a communications career, and leave with valuable tips on how to make your application a success.
HOW TO PLAN FOR A CAREER IN HUMAN RIGHTS?
Careers in the human rights are diverse and competitive.
This workshop provides students with a compass to better navigate through the career opportunities in the fields of human rights, humanitarian and development aid. The challenge is knowing what roles are possible, how to match skill set and motivation to available posts, and where this work could take students. The workshop offers an honest and insightful perspective on what’s out there, the pros and cons and some ways to get started.
OPPORTUNITIES AT THE UNITED NATIONS AND ITS SPECIALISED AGENCIES
Working for the United Nations (UN) is a dream for many students.
The UN provides an opportunity to serve in a dynamic and multicultural environment in a variety of jobs supporting global causes. This workshop presents different types of opportunities for graduates to access the UN job market. It will also provide students with valuable advice on how to enter the UN system.
“Mona is a wonderful organiser. She has an easy way with a fantastic sense of efficiency. She has always done things with great style and elegance.”
Pat Cox
Former President
European Parliament
"Over the past decade key2advance has helped well over a thousand BSIS students secure work both here in Brussels and across the world."
Alastair Ross
Head of European Administration
European Centres
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Gaining the competitive edge in trending employability skills
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now”. - Martin Luther King
Although we are all different, we share many common needs. However, different cultures have diverse customs, standards, social norms, and even thought patterns. Recognising and fully appreciating those differences allow us to understand one another across the cultural divide. Employers understand that to work efficiently within diverse teams it takes trust, respect, and the ability to understand both similarities and differences. In this workshop, you will learn to use strategies and methods to enable effective intercultural communication and apply them based on practical, interactive examples.
CAREER SERVICES PLUS
Discover how we can support you even more
INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS
A team of advisors provides guidance on how to prepare for a career in a variety of sectors such as: human rights, international and European law, EU institutions, international NGOs, the United Nations, and communication and public relations agencies. The career advice sessions are designed to help students identify career goals, review application documents and plan their next steps. Students appreciate receiving practical tips and guidance from experts who understand the European and international job market.
INTERNSHIP COORDINATION
Stemming from our success with multiple universities and pioneering the prestigious internship programme at the European Parliament for Humanity in Action fellows, key2advance designs, coordinates and secures internships for universities wishing to offer their students a professional experience alongside an academic degree. Harnessing our well-established networks in Brussels, a clear understanding of the job and internship market and a passionate team, we guide students through their first steps into the international market.
NETWORKING EVENTS
key2advance arranges large and small networking events for universities attended by practitioners from a variety of professional Brussels-based organisations. These events provide students with an opportunity to practice their networking skills, learn about the ‘hidden’ job market, as well as to meet potential employers in a social setting. For universities outside Belgium, we offer private lectures and organised visits with professionals and experts.
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